West Brom 'ignored' as FA slammed over controversial announcement

Kieran Maguire has namechecked West Brom as he slammed a controversial decision that has been made by the FA.

The football finance expert tweeted on Thursday (18 April) that the Baggies and 18 other previous winners of the FA Cup have been “ignored” by the governing body after it was announced replays in the competition will now be scrapped from the first round onwards.

That will come into force from next season as part of a new six-year agreement between the FA and the Premier League. 

“Ipswich, Southampton, The Leeds, Coventry, Portsmouth, West Brom, Blackburn, Preston, Notts County, Bradford City, Barnsley, Bolton, Cardiff, Huddersfield, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby, Charlton, Blackpool, Sunderland have won the FA Cup, but like all in the EFL, ignored by the Premier League and FA in no replay decision,” said Maguire.

West Brom had right to their say in FA Cup replays decision

There is no doubt that West Brom and the rest of the EFL clubs should have been consulted on the FA Cup replays situation. 

It appears as though the FA have only held talks with the Premier League on the matter, meaning only a few teams have once again been able to have their say.

While it’s a competition that’s predominantly won by a top-flight side, the EFL should have been respected more during the decision-making process. 

The Baggies' fellow Championship side Coventry City – one of the previous winners mentioned by Maguire – could earn their place in the final if they can overcome Manchester United in their semi-final clash on Sunday (21 April).

It just stinks that the EFL sides were completely overlooked, particularly given how much the replays can mean financially for some of those sides lower down the pyramid.

It's another step taken by the Premier League in its power grab over English football and this trend must be stopped before the situation is beyond repair.

In other West Brom news, Brendan Rodgers has sent a Mikey Johnston return message at Celtic. 

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